Huntsville Hospital CEO: More than 3,000 tested for coronavirus in North Alabama

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Posted: Mar 28, 2020 11:58 AM

Updated: Mar 28, 2020 11:19 PM

Posted By: Josh Rayburn

In a news conference Saturday, Huntsville Hospital CEO David Spillers said the hospital system has tested more than 3,000 people in North Alabama for coronavirus.

Because of that, Spillers said residents should not be surprised if the number of positive cases in the area increases.

Spillers said the state is likely not yet reporting many of those tests, most of which came back negative, in its statewide tally because the hospital uses a different lab from the state lab.

Positive cases are being reported.

He said the hospital system continues to prepare for the possibility of a significant influx of coronavirus patients.

“We hope we don’t need them but our job is to prepare,” Spillers said.

He said, on average, coronavirus patients who have to be hospitalized are spending 10 to 12 days there.

The drive-up flu testing clinic at John Hunt Park in Huntsville will be closed Monday because the hospital does not have enough supplies to test people for the flu, Spillers said, adding that he expects the site to re-open Tuesday.

He also urged people to continuing doing their part to stop coronavirus spread.

“Everybody needs to stay 6 feet apart. Even family members need to separate,” he said.

Watch the full news conference above and learn more on WAAY 31 News at 5, 6 and 10.